Roma vs Fiorentina

Roma face another stern test in week 24 of Serie A as they return home looking to bounce back from a tough loss a week ago away to Juventus. Fiorentina are in high spirits following an important victory a week ago over Catania and are looking to solidify their hold on 4^th place of the league table.

AS Roma have hit a tough spell of late in Serie A. After putting together a strong 13 match unbeaten run coming into the month of February, they have now lost 2 of their last 3 league matches. The latest loss away to Juventus by a score of 1-0 leaves them in 2^nd place with 48 points but now 11 back of first place Inter Milan and just 1 point up on 3^rd place Juve. The club did get a lift this week when they were able to come from behind to defeat Real Madrid in their Champions League match. This week manager Spaletti will be missing the usual Juan and Curci to injury while Brazilian winger Mancini is out suspended. Therefore, look for Vucinic and Perrotta to start in midfield with Totti the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 set.

Fiorentina held serve at home in week 23 to defeat Catania by a score of 2-1 at the Stadio Artemio Franchi di Firenze. The result gives Cesare Prandelli’s side 41 points on the year. They are 6 points behind Juventus and 3 ahead of 5^th place AC Milan. The viola are playing very well of late both in Serie A and in the UEFA Cup and have now won 3 of their last 5 matches with 1 draw and 1 loss along the way. Three players have been ruled out for this match and they are Pasqual, Potenza and Osvaldo while it has been confirmed that Frey will be able to start in goal.

Roma are in a tricky situation this week. Their Serie A title chances seem to be dwindling, while they are still very much alive in the Champions League and will need to prioritize soon. They have been superb at home with 8 wins and 2 draws in 11 matches, but Fiorentina have more than held their own away from home with just 1 loss in as 11 matches. Couple that with the fact that Roma are missing Mancini this week- a player who opens up enormous space for Totti and company in attack, and the visitors just might have the break they need to hold out for the draw.

Prediction: Draw (1-1)